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Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Toybox REVIEW: Pokémon Plastic Model Collection Xerneas

If you own a 3DS and haven't already picked up a copy of Pokémon X or Y, I highly suggest doing so soon. These new games are every bit as amazing as people say and well worth playing, bringing new things to the table as well as the biggest graphical overhaul the franchise has ever seen. The games are so good in fact, that they persuaded me to make a few impulse purchases. I've been aware of the Pokémon Plastic Model Collection for a while now, which offers a variety of different kits including various scale evolution ones. My first entries into the lines are also the latest ones, so let's take a look at the 33rd release (and part of the "Select Series", although I'm not sure what that means) - the Pokemon X mascot and fairy type legendary Pokémon Xerneas.

Xerneas comes packaged in a typical cardboard model kit box, with a large graphic of the kit in front of a rainbow background of light. Inside you'll find a total of 3 runners, two moulded in grey and then the third split between blue, cream and clear plastic. There is also one sheet of stickers, and a booklet with the building instructions and pictures of other releases in the line.

As predominantly a children's franchise, naturally this isn't a particularly build - the instructions take you through it all in a total of *number* steps. Beginner model builders shouldn't have any trouble with the kit itself, although the stickers may give some people a little bit of trouble. Some are a little bit on the small side to be applied accurately with hands (so tweezers might be a good thing to have on standby), while the beautiful foil stickers for the antlers are of the horrible wrap around variety. It's very easy to make a mistake when applying these (I made a few fixable ones) so pay very close attention to what you are doing.

While it isn't a great deal, the finished Xerneas does have a nice little bit of articulation to him. Each leg is attached to a swivel joint, while the front two legs also feature hinges in the knee section.The bottom of the neck is hinged so the majestic Pokémon can raise its head up and down, and also cut at the middle so the head can swivel a full 360 degrees (which it probably couldn't do it reality, but oh well).

The included stand features two raised sections in which the back legs plug into at the feet, however the stand is also able to keep Xerneas stable if only one leg is plugged in. The is great as it gives it (these are genderless Pokémon after all!) much more variety when it comes stable posing. Xerneas can pull off cocked leg pose, a running stance or even raised and ready to attack.

While it might not be the most complex or articulated out there, Xerneas is a really nice display piece and undoubtedly the best "figure" of the monster that's currently on the market. Having picked mine off of Amiami for the INSANELY low price of 690 yen (that's just under £5/$7) you really get more than what you paid for. Great for beginner model builders and something that will look wonderful displayed alongside Yveltal or the Pokémon X game case.